Journey to the Heart of the Himalayas: Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Gaumukh Tapovan is one of the most rewarding treks you will ever experience.
On the Gaumukh Tapovan trek, you will witness the majestic views of Mt Shivling. You get to see Mt Shivling from its base to its summit. If you haven’t heard of Mt Shivling, it’s one of the most stunning mountains in India, often featured in our gold calendar every year.
But it doesn’t stop there. You will also see the Bhagirathi sisters in their full glory. Sometimes, we feel the Bhagirathi sisters are even grander than Mt Shivling because their three peaks dominate the landscape.
So, why don’t more people do this trek?
Sadly, the fame of other treks has overshadowed the Gaumukh Tapovan trek. It’s like a new movie star replacing an older one. Treks like Roopkund, Rupin Pass, and Hampta Pass have become more popular, causing the Gaumukh Tapovan trek to lose its former glory.
Many trekkers, attracted by newer treks, rush to the new offerings, which is a mistake.
Before we start, here are some quick facts about the Gaumukh Tapovan trek:
The Gaumukh Trek is a 46 km trek over 6 days (8 days including the drive to and from the trek) in the Greater Himalayas. It is located in Uttarakhand and starts and ends at the pilgrim town of Gangotri.
The trail winds through the Greater Himalayas within Gangotri National Park. It is a moderate to difficult trek (more on this ahead), but beginners can attempt it with good preparation.
How to Reach
You need to arrive in Dehradun by 6:00 am. Once you reach Dehradun, Raithal Hills Trek experts will take care of the rest of your travel arrangements if you choose their pick-up service during booking.
Options to reach Dehradun:
- Overnight Train:
- Bus to Dehradun, then cab to the pick-up point (Railway station):
- Delhi to Dehradun – 250 km | 6 hr.
- Chandigarh to Dehradun – 220 km | 5 hr.
The distance from the Dehradun Bus Stand (ISBT) to the Railway Station is 6 km, which takes about 15 minutes without traffic.
We recommend using government buses over private ones due to reliability. Ensure you reach Dehradun by 5:30 am.
- Flight to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport) (25 km, 50 min): If traveling by flight, arrive one day early.
The designated drop-off point is Dehradun Railway Station. Arrive at the station between 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Plan subsequent travel after 9:00 pm.
- Distance from Railway Station to Dehradun Bus Stand (ISBT) is 6 km (approx 25 minutes).
- Distance from Railway Station to Dehradun Airport is 28 km (approx 45 minutes to 1 hour).
It’s advisable to have a buffer day in your travel plan. If not needed, you can explore Dehradun, Mussoorie, or Rishikesh.
If you prefer travelling independently to the base camp and not using Raithal Hills Trek’s pick-up service, you can take a government bus or book a private cab from Rishikesh. Your trek coordinator will guide you on bus or cab bookings.
Raithal Hills Trek offers comfortable transportation through Tempo Traveler, Bolero, or equivalent vehicles. For upgrades, contact your trek coordinator for assistance.
Customized Itinerary
DAY 1: REACH GANGOTRI FROM DEHRADUN
Prepare for a picturesque journey of 10-12 hours from Dehradun before reaching your hotel. Upon arrival, you can easily check in and unwind. Indulge in a scrumptious dinner and have a restful overnight stay.
DAY 2: GANGOTRI TO CHIRBASA
Start your journey from Gangotri at 10,055 ft and head towards Chirbasa at 11,761 ft. The trek will take around 6 hours to cover 9 km. You can stay overnight at Chirbasa based on the team’s walking ability.
DAY 3: CHIRBASA TO BHOJBASA
Begin your trek after breakfast, following the river Bhagirathi on the right bank. The journey from Chirbasa (11,761 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,450 ft) will take approximately 3 hours and cover a distance of 5 km. The trail offers a gradual ascent, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty along the way. Once you reach Bhojbasa, you’ll be treated to a magnificent view of the Bhagirathi group of peaks. Set up camp upon arrival and prepare for an overnight stay.
DAY 4: BHOJBASA TO TAPOVAN
Embark on a thrilling trek from Bhojbasa (12,450 ft) to Tapovan (14,202 ft) after a delicious breakfast. This scenic route will take you through Gaumukh, the sacred source of the mighty Ganges River. As you make your way, you’ll conquer the Gangotri glacier, crossing from the right to the left bank before ascending the lateral moraine that leads to Tapovan. This picturesque location serves as a vast high-altitude meadow and serves as a base camp for those looking to climb Mt Shivling and Mt Meru. Once you reach Tapovan, set up camp and enjoy an overnight stay surrounded by breathtaking views.
DAY 5: TAPOVAN TO BHOJBASA
You can trek from Tapovan (14,202 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,450 ft) in about 5 hours covering a distance of 9 km. You can spend the night at Bhojbasa.
DAY 6: BHOJBASA TO GANGOTRI
The trek covers a distance of 14 kilometers and takes approximately 8 hours to complete, with a challenging descent over a bouldery section.
DAY 7: GANGOTRI TO DEHRADUN
The price for the cab per vehicle is Rs 9,000 for a 5-6 seater and Rs 15,000 for a 10-12 seater. Please note that this is a Non-AC vehicle.
Highlights
- Stunning views of Mt Shivling from base to summit.
- Panoramic vistas of the Bhagirathi sisters.
- Trek through Gangotri National Park.
- Visit the Gaumukh Glacier, source of the Ganga.
- Explore the serene meadows of Tapovan.
- Start from the spiritual town of Gangotri.
- Scenic campsites at Chirbasa and Bhojbasa.
- Challenge yourself with high-altitude trekking.
- Exciting river crossings on the trek.
- Spot unique wildlife in the Himalayas.